Which do you feel is better to use as you primary way of shooting? I personally find myself going back and fourth, it really doesn't seem to mess with me because I've been doing it for so long.
"Open Bridge" VS. "Closed Bridge"
- Thread starter bankshot76
- Start date
Neither. I think using a mix is the best way to go, as they both have their specific advantages.
I'm in the same boat
I was taught by an old schooler to always use a closed bridge and that can definitely get the job done. I watch folks play snooker with an open bridge and that works too.
When a precise aim is most important I favor an open bridge and just a touch of high hit with a very flat stick to run down the table as naturally as possible. When I need a lot of spin I favor a closed bridge.
Hu
I was taught by an old schooler to always use a closed bridge and that can definitely get the job done. I watch folks play snooker with an open bridge and that works too.
When a precise aim is most important I favor an open bridge and just a touch of high hit with a very flat stick to run down the table as naturally as possible. When I need a lot of spin I favor a closed bridge.
Hu
No bridge, I only have one hand so I shoot off the rail
If you are using english, you need to lock your cue in with a closed bridge.
I never used a closed much previously because it felt uncomfortable to me. I forced myself to get used to it and now use it as much as I can unless the situation warrants an open bridge.
I never used a closed much previously because it felt uncomfortable to me. I forced myself to get used to it and now use it as much as I can unless the situation warrants an open bridge.
It depends on the situation
It definitely depends on the type of shot and especially what game you're playing. In one pocket, you can probably use the open hand most of the time unless you have a long one or really have to stroke it. In nine ball, I personally like to use a closed bridge on most shots, especially cause the table I practice on is triple shimmed. Using a closed bridge for me, make me feel more 'guaranteed' to make the shot. Anytime I have a funny feeling about making a shot and it looks 50/50, I use a closed bridge. My mentor tells me to use an open bridge on most easy shots because you can sight down the cue better.
I think there is definitely a reason snooker players use an open hand bridge, and that's because they are using less force to maneuver. If you look at the carom players, they use mostly a closed bridge because they are putting more force on the shot.
I think nine ball players like myself use a combination of the finesse you see in snooker and the power you see in three cushion. :thumbup:
It definitely depends on the type of shot and especially what game you're playing. In one pocket, you can probably use the open hand most of the time unless you have a long one or really have to stroke it. In nine ball, I personally like to use a closed bridge on most shots, especially cause the table I practice on is triple shimmed. Using a closed bridge for me, make me feel more 'guaranteed' to make the shot. Anytime I have a funny feeling about making a shot and it looks 50/50, I use a closed bridge. My mentor tells me to use an open bridge on most easy shots because you can sight down the cue better.
I think there is definitely a reason snooker players use an open hand bridge, and that's because they are using less force to maneuver. If you look at the carom players, they use mostly a closed bridge because they are putting more force on the shot.
I think nine ball players like myself use a combination of the finesse you see in snooker and the power you see in three cushion. :thumbup:
I don't know what it is about the closed bridge, but it seems to wreak havoc on my stroke. I miscue on occasion with it, something that never happens when I play with an open bridge. As a result I almost always use the open bridge. Some say it's not recommended, but I manage to play well regardless.
(playing 'well' isn't really all that well. I just pretend otherwise
)
(playing 'well' isn't really all that well. I just pretend otherwise
)
Look down the barrel
of a gun and there's no knuckle. Just a long straight sight line.
I try to factor it in to my confounded bridge decision.
of a gun and there's no knuckle. Just a long straight sight line.
I try to factor it in to my confounded bridge decision.
For most shots that do not require power or a lot of spin I use the open bridge. This bridge not only allows me to use my cue stick as a gun sight but also reduces the friction between my fingers and my cue allowing me to be more precise with gentle hits.
If I need to use more spin or need to put more mustard on the shot then I use the closed bridge for more stability.
If I need to use more spin or need to put more mustard on the shot then I use the closed bridge for more stability.
deadgearplyr said:It definitely depends on the type of shot and especially what game you're playing. In one pocket, you can probably use the open hand most of the time unless you have a long one or really have to stroke it. In nine ball, I personally like to use a closed bridge on most shots, especially cause the table I practice on is triple shimmed. Using a closed bridge for me, make me feel more 'guaranteed' to make the shot. Anytime I have a funny feeling about making a shot and it looks 50/50, I use a closed bridge. My mentor tells me to use an open bridge on most easy shots because you can sight down the cue better.
I think there is definitely a reason snooker players use an open hand bridge, and that's because they are using less force to maneuver. If you look at the carom players, they use mostly a closed bridge because they are putting more force on the shot.
I think nine ball players like myself use a combination of the finesse you see in snooker and the power you see in three cushion. :thumbup:
Very good explanation of the benefits, I totally concur.
Dick
I have more info, thanks
Laugh all you waqnt but shooting off the rail does teach you to use the cue to stroke the shot-(correctly) there is no difference in bridges,learn to hold the cue correctly and learn how to stroke the cue. correctly- Give thanks to guys like Scott Lee
Laugh all you waqnt but shooting off the rail does teach you to use the cue to stroke the shot-(correctly) there is no difference in bridges,learn to hold the cue correctly and learn how to stroke the cue. correctly- Give thanks to guys like Scott Lee
I use a mixture but mainly closed.
Open for drawing back a few feet or shorter lengths, if alot of spin needed closed.
I Use closed for using plain ball or stun.
Open for drawing back a few feet or shorter lengths, if alot of spin needed closed.
I Use closed for using plain ball or stun.
What he said.ShootingArts said:
I love a closed bridge. Ive been swithchin to it more and more. Nothing feels better to me than a closed bridge out in the middle of the table. but like most have said already. it depends on the shot.
Since you didn't put a true third option, your poll is going to be skewed. I didn't vote.
Anyway, please see these threads:
http://forums.azbilliards.com/search.php?searchid=2228800
Here's my standard answer. It's been modified over the years, but it revolves around the same theme:
-------------------------
I'm open-hand heavy. But, I think that's because the top professionals that I saw most growing up (Rempe and Sigel) were open-hand heavy.
The progression goes something like this:
Can't make a bridge to save my life
Make an awkward open bridge
Make an awkward closed bridge
Make a good closed bridge
Re-incorporate a good open bridge
Use the open bridge a lot
Often times, a properly formed and used open hand bridge incorporated or re-incorporated into the overall American pool game can be a sign of advancement, as opposed to only thought of as a beginner's bridge. Those who only think of an open hand bridge as a beginner's bridge are missing something.
Most if not all top players use both open and closed. There really is no steadfast reason to use one over the other for most normal shots. You'll see more people close it for power and power spin shots, while they open up or finesse and stretched out reach shots.
Fred <~~~ uses whatever feels right
Anyway, please see these threads:
http://forums.azbilliards.com/search.php?searchid=2228800
Here's my standard answer. It's been modified over the years, but it revolves around the same theme:
-------------------------
I'm open-hand heavy. But, I think that's because the top professionals that I saw most growing up (Rempe and Sigel) were open-hand heavy.
The progression goes something like this:
Can't make a bridge to save my life
Make an awkward open bridge
Make an awkward closed bridge
Make a good closed bridge
Re-incorporate a good open bridge
Use the open bridge a lot
Often times, a properly formed and used open hand bridge incorporated or re-incorporated into the overall American pool game can be a sign of advancement, as opposed to only thought of as a beginner's bridge. Those who only think of an open hand bridge as a beginner's bridge are missing something.
Most if not all top players use both open and closed. There really is no steadfast reason to use one over the other for most normal shots. You'll see more people close it for power and power spin shots, while they open up or finesse and stretched out reach shots.
Fred <~~~ uses whatever feels right